Gateway Regional Center

Project Description

As a Metro-designated regional center and a strategic transportation crossroads, the Gateway area has the potential to be a hub of employment in East Portland. Opportunities abound in Gateway to support small businesses and spark vibrant, economically healthy neighborhoods.

Urban Renewal Area (URA) Fast Facts

Created: June 2001

Total Acres: 658.5

Last date to issue long-term debt: June 2022

Neighborhoods: Portions of Hazelwood, Parkrose Heights and Mill Park.

The City of Portland, Prosper Portland and our many partners in the Gateway community share a dynamic vision for the Gateway Regional Center: a more urban, mixed-use environment with employment and commercial activity in East Portland that contributes to the region’s economy and livability. This vision capitalizes on the area’s unique advantages. Gateway boasts an unparalleled location at the confluence of major transportation corridors, which provide superb access to other activity centers including Downtown Portland and Portland International Airport.

In February 2000, the Opportunity Gateway Concept Plan and Redevelopment Strategy was accepted by Prosper Portland and the City Council. Developed by the community, the plan envisioned upgrades to the transportation and open space networks in Gateway, as well as new housing, employment and public institutions such as an education and/or arts center.

To fulfill the Concept Plan, the City Council approved the Gateway Regional Center Urban Renewal Plan in June 2001. This established the Regional Center as a tax increment district capable of financing up to $164 million for public improvements over 20 years.

Since the formation of the Gateway Urban Renewal Plan, the shared vision for Gateway has resulted in several important achievements. The MAX Red Line opened in 2001, providing transit to the airport via Gateway. The MAX Green Line opened in 2009 and connects Gateway with southeast Portland and Clackamas County. The 102nd Avenue Streetscape project significantly enhanced the pedestrian environment between NE Burnside and NE Halsey. Important newer private development includes Russellville Commons, the Oregon Clinic, and Glisan Commons.

Gateway is well positioned to take advantage of the growing population and employment base in the region. As central and inner city neighborhoods continue to redevelop, demand will increase for housing and employment properties that can offer high quality transportation access and desirable urban amenities. With the URA set to expire in June 2022, the remaining resources will be best used by tailoring short term investments to Gateway’s assets to better position the area for future private investment.

The Gateway Action Plan focuses Prosper Portland’s limited URA resources and calls for partner City bureaus to rise to the challenges that have prevented Gateway from realizing the level of success that other areas in the Portland region have achieved in the past few years. The Action Plan also focuses on building partnerships, supporting local community organizations, and working with private sector partners to deliver on community goals and aspirations.